Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Stepping into the Waters of Promise

Bible Reading:  : Joshua 3:9-17

Key verse:  “When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, come to rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.” [Joshua 3:13 NRSV]

DEVOTION

In the book of Joshua, we witness the Israelites after journeying in the wilderness, the Lord placed Joshua in charge of taking His people to the promised land. Joshua reminds us to be set apart for God, to trust Him at His Word, and to know that He goes before us in the battle. 
As believers, we are called to listen to the Word of the Lord and keep it in our hearts. In a world that is constantly changing, it can be challenging to find peace and stillness. However, God's Word has the power to transform us and make us peacemakers, as the Beatitudes call out. When we rest in the peace and presence of God's Word, we become a living testament to His power and love, a letter to the world. Let us resist the world's influence and instead be consistent and true to the Word of the Lord, reflecting His image. God is calling us to lead an exemplary life, standing out from the crowd, and declaring the message of the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As the priests carried the Ark of the Covenant, they stepped into the waters of the Jordan River with bold faith. God led the Israelites to a miraculous experience of crossing on dry land amid a mighty river. The Lord was with them and helped them to overcome a significant obstacle yet again. Sometimes we see an incredible impossibility ahead, but if we trust the God we serve, He allows us to step into the waters and pass through unharmed to experience His promise. The Lord goes before us into battle and helps us to experience the promised land as His children.

PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, for going before us into the battle, standing alongside us, and keeping our feet dry as we step into deep waters. Lord, help us to devote time to your Word, grow in faith, and experience your peace. Teach us to be peacemakers and share your Good News. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

When we face a battle, we can reflect on the Word of the Lord, His promises, and the experience of the faith community over the ages – our God is living and with us – we can step out in faith knowing the battle belongs to the Lord.


Anil V. Abraham
Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch, Texas

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